The Best Coffee Pod Machine
The most sleek pod machine we've ever seen, this model with brushed-steel features the trademark Sage quality and is easy to use. It preheats after switch-on, and makes an espresso with aroma or slightly longer lungo in just 30 seconds.
In contrast to bean-to-cup machines models take the most messy aspects of coffee making out of your hands, such as grinding and dosing grounds.
1. Rapid
Pod machines are generally quicker to install and use than espresso machines, with many can make coffee in only 30 seconds or so. The pre-portioned pods that are used in these machines are typically more costly than freshly roasted coffee beans, and a lot of them are not recyclable.
The Nespresso CitiZ is one of the most efficient pod machines available on the market, thanks to its in-built barcode reader that scans code of each compatible pod before making it. This makes it easy to make consistent, high-quality coffee every time, with next-to-no chance of a drink coming out horribly wrong. It's also one of the slimmest and lightest on the market, with no need for an additional milk jug or a small footprint making it a breeze to fit into even the smallest of kitchens.
The CitiZ isn't the best machine to reduce the environmental impact. It doesn't have an automated descaling feature, and you'll have to clean it yourself every 300 cups if reside in hard water areas or 1200 cups in soft water areas. When the filter cartridge wears out, you'll need replace it with a fresh one. This could be expensive for some users.
The Tassimo Vivy 2 is another quick machine that comes with a customisable button and the option of using either ground coffee or ESE pods, which are pre-dosed and tampered grounds compressed between filter paper. This model is B-Corp Certified. It is committed to reducing the negative impact it has on the environment and workforce. The only drawback is the time it takes to heat up. Once it is heated it will brew a cup in about 35 minutes.
Vertuo Creatista is a stylish sleek machine that is able to create a variety of drinks in different sizes and styles. This glossy beauty, made in collaboration with Sage and Sage, is not just easy to use and quick to start, but also comes with a milk frothing wand and a stainless steel jug.
2. Removable parts
The ease of using a pod coffee maker is a major selling point. The most effective models are simple to use. The majority of machines utilize the same general method to make your cup: water is heated inside a reservoir, and then pushed through the capsules you choose and extracted to produce rich hot java. Many brands offer a variety of sizes of drinks for different needs. You can also save your own settings to make the process more efficient.
Keurig K-Cups are among the largest players on the market. However, Nestle Nespresso VertuoLine capsules also offer a large selection of capsules made by the most famous roasters. Some pods are designed to be used only once before being discarded, while others are designed for multiple uses. Whatever the case, you'll need to think about how you'll handle the pods you've used up so that they do not end up in the garbage.
The sleek SMEG model we tested comes with a water tank that is removable and easy to fill, and the machine automatically dispenses a fresh capsule once the previous one has been cooled. It can brew espresso and lungo drinks, and comes with a set of eight different blends to provide you with a wide selection. This brewer will appeal to those who love coffee and want to move away from drip coffee.
In our testing, the Tassimo My Way 2 was the most enjoyable to use. Its sleek design is an eye-catching addition to your counter, and it can be opened with a gentle touch to reveal a concealed compartment for your empty pods. It has an integrated water filter which is perfect for areas with hard water.
This machine is quick and can brew regular coffee (240ml) as well as ristretto and lungo espresso drinks. The controls are easy to operate, with the style of airplane toggles that can be retracted easily and a lever that retracts to reveal the opening for dropping into the pod. It requires a bit of pressure to close, however the majority of our test subjects, including those with weak hand strength and mobility, were able to use it comfortably.
3. Size
The best coffee pod machines take the mess of coffee making out of your hands - you simply need to load the pod, press an icon and prepare to brew. It is still necessary to clean the machine from time time however not as often as you would with a coffee maker that is a bean-to cup or espresso maker. The pod machines are smaller than their larger counterparts and can be tucked away on the countertop and be stored away from sight when not being used.
If a coffee pod machine is the right choice for you depends on your preferences and what you want to get from it. The majority of pod machines are easy to use, however some offer more customization options. Pod variety, brew size options, and milk frothing capabilities must be taken into consideration to determine the best coffee pod machine.
The majority of people think of pod-based devices in the likes of Nespresso and Keurig, but there are some newer rivals which are worth looking into. Bruvi has a custom-designed system of pods, called B-Pods, which can only be used in its machines. The pods check here have an underside barcode that the machine scans to automatically adjust the brewing settings.
This method takes all the guesswork out of making a cup and guarantees that every drink comes out perfectly every time. It can even save customised drinks to a specific button to allow you to make them with the press of a button.
Other machines, such as Sage's My Way offer a greater degree of control over your coffee that allows you to select the ideal size and temperature for each drink. It's more expensive than other models, however it has the polished stainless steel construction and superior customer service that is synonymous with Sage's My Way. This is a good choice for those looking for a bit more out of their pod-based espresso maker.
Some models with larger capacities can also brew lungos. The Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is a great example of this. It is a combination of the retro style of SMEG with the classic design of Italian coffee brand, Lavazza. It's a little intimidating at first thanks to the airplane-style toggles but once you've gotten used to it, the machine is quick and satisfying to use. A lungo can be brewed in only 30 seconds.
4. Customization
The lack of customisation is a major reason it might not be the right choice for you. If you don't purchase an additional milk frother, the only methods to add extra flavor or creaminess is to make use of an in-mug hot chocolate or tea option and to add milk manually to your coffee. For most people, this won't be a problem however it could be a sticking point for those who prefer an automated experience in the morning.
Bosch's Intellibrew utilizes a barcode scanner to scan each capsule. It then automatically pre-wets, infuses and dispenses the right amount of coffee to the particular kind of pod. It's a simple, hands-off machine that does the job well, but it doesn't have any options for making drinks that are customized or altering the strength of the brew. This may be a problem for some buyers but for others the hassle-free automation and variety of cup lengths (espresso, lungo and mug) it provides precisely what they require.
The coffee maker is extremely low maintenance. It only requires you to fill up the water tank and decaffeinate the reservoir every time. It can dispense short espresso-style shots and tall travel mugs effortlessly. As mentioned, the used pods are ejected into a hidden container that helps keep your kitchen tidy. It is also great at delivering full-bodied espressos with a crema-topped top.
This is a stunning machine that is part of the Smeg fifties range. It is easy to use with a simple control panel and can be used with ground coffee or ESE pods. The only issue is that it lacks an indicator that lets you know when it's time to descale and the maximum water level cannot be set which is a minor issue. It is also necessary to buy the capsules of the brand, which can be costly. But, it's a good pod coffee maker for anyone looking for an attractive and practical appliance that can serve them well for an affordable price. This model is compatible with a range of capsules from third party manufacturers and is compatible with the Nespresso Vertuo range.